Local collaboration helps serve vulnerable population during pandemic

a notice from York County:

A multi-agency plan providing quarantine space in York County for people who cannot self-isolate has been deployed in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This alternative sheltering option exists for homeless individuals, those living in congregate housing and others who have been determined by their healthcare provider or case manager as being unable to self-isolate in their current housing situation.

This plan includes hotel space, transportation, meals, hygiene kits and twice-daily check-ins handled by WellSpan Health and UPMC, the county’s two largest health systems.

Any case management the individual had remains in place to provide additional support. Homeless individuals will be connected to local providers assisting with housing.

The quarantine housing plan is activated when symptoms are evaluated by a medical professional (online, by phone or in person) who will determine the need for a COVID-19 test. To access these services, individuals should work with their preferred health system and medical provider. If an individual does not have a medical provider, a health system should be selected for this purpose.

If a COVID-19 test is issued, individuals should identify their next steps based on the health system they are working with:

For WellSpan Health, connect with the individual’s healthcare provider, case manager, or housing program staff for guidance on isolation practices, accessing transportation and quarantine shelter. Individuals needing COVID-19 information and support can call WellSpan’s hotline at 1-855-851-3641.

For UPMC, call the UPMC Pinnacle Nurse Advice line at 1-866-9-NURSE1 (1-866-968-7731). Guidance will be provided on isolation practices, accessing transportation and quarantine shelter.

Agencies involved include WellSpan Health, UPMC, York County, York County Planning Commission, York City Bureau of Health, Rabbittransit and York County Coalition on Homelessness as well as funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

“A collaborative solution was developed to meet the quarantine housing needs of one of our most vulnerable populations during this crisis, which is our homeless population who have no place to safely isolate and recover,” said York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. “This effort shows these agency’s support for our community in a time of great need.”